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"Arguably, this can be attributed to the increasing number of extreme rainfall events - according to the Met Office, 2012 was the second wettest year in the UK since national records began in 1910, flooding and an aging utility infrastructure.”

The solution?

Dr Lambardi recommends timely repairs and maintenance of piping, a more sustainable drainage system - with more urban green areas.

Coun Rosa Battle, executive member for the Environment, said they would continue to work with United Utilities who are responsible for the inspection and maintenance of the sewer network, to ensure those at risk of collapse are identified and urgently repaired.

She added: “We are working with partners across the city to ensure that high quality, well maintained green spaces become an integral part of all neighbourhoods over the next decade.

Police closed off part of Field New Road in Chadderton after the tarmac collapsed (Image: Anne Marie Stothard)

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“Attractive, accessible green spaces, private gardens and street trees have a huge range of benefits for residents, workers and businesses - including their role in both reducing climate change by storing carbon and in absorbing rainfall, which helps to mitigate against flooding.

"We fully support the City of Trees initiative, which will see three million trees across Greater Manchester planted - one for every person in the city region.”

A spokeswoman for United Utilities said: “We carry out regular inspections and maintenance on any sewers with a history of problems and we repair and replace sewers as needed.”